'Famous Korčula graces the world!'

While the island of Korčula is a mosaic of natural and cultural heritage, the jewel in its crown is undeniably the town of Korčula. The other island places and villages of Žrnovo, Lumbarda, Račišće, Pupnat, Čara, Smokvica, Blato and Vela Luka are also rich in historic tradition and natural beauty.

Korčula,
Korkyra Nigra

When the ancient Greeks saw the black contours of the island, framed by dense forests of holm oak and pine, they called it "Black Corfu" (Greek Korkyra Melaina; Latin Korkyra Nigra). A legend suggests that Korčula was discovered and founded by the Greek hero Antenor escaping from Troy.

Marco Polo

The House and Tower of Marco Polo, as well as the exhibition Museum of Marco Polo, attract both tourists and scholars from around the world. He was captured at the foot of the walls of Korčula, in one of the Mediterranean naval battles in the 13th century.

Korčula’s history

Korčula’s history has notable milestones, starting with the Psephism (Lumbarda decree, 4th century B.C.), the oldest inscribed stone fragment in this part of Europe, through to the Statute of the town and island of Korčula of 1214 recording the organization and continuity of 800 years of civic society. There are three brotherhoods (society of laymen) dating from 1301, the Cathedral of St. Mark and numerous churches, palazzos, mansions, and streets built to an urban plan along an architectural form of a fish bone.

Residents within the walls of the old town live in 'an open-air museum', where the following venues are open to visitors: St. Mark’s Cathedral, Abbatial Treasury, Town Museum, House of Marco Polo, Icon collection in the House of the Brotherhood of All Saints, and Revelin Tower.

Events

The religious traditions of Holy Week ("Vela setemana"), March 22-April 2, as the procession of Korcula's brotherhoods on the streets of the medieval town of Korcula are a remarkable experience. Confraternity of the All Saints, St. Roch and St. Michael guard centuries old traditions. Of particular interest are "torci" - wax candles which are carried in procession around the city, weighing up to 73 kilograms.

Olympic triathlon-Marco Polo Challenge, April 28, consists of: 1500 m swim, 40 km bike, 10km run. Korcula triathlon represents the official opening of the Croatian triathlon season and is open to all interested, licensed racers and amateurs.The ancient sword dance of Moreška, an officially protected intangible cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia, has been performed in Korčula for more than 400 years. Moreška is performed twice weekly during the summer season. However, the most significant performance is that of the Day of the Town or Saint Theodore’s Day, July 29, when the three brotherhoods colourfully process through the town - All Saints, Saint Rocco, and Saint Michael.Korčula hosts numerous events: the Spring Food & Wine Festival 2018 (April 28-May 5), the Flavours of Korčula (once a week) the Korčula Sword Dance Festival (June 15)), the International Marco Polo Film Festival (mid June), the Korčula Summer Carnival (June 30) also the Korkyra Baroque Festival (www.korkyrabaroque.com) which attracts musicians of world repute (September 1-16).

In harmony with nature

There is a legend that says Korčula was the nymph Korkyra whom jealous Poseidon transformed into an island paradise. Famous wines are produced from Korčula vineyards: Pošip, Rukatac and Grk (white), and Plavac (red). Tourists enjoy sampling traditional meals, al fresco: macaroni with meat, seafood seasoned with top quality olive oil and accompanied by a glass of Korčula wine.

Korčula is special…

Its natural beauty and 182 km-long indented coast with numerous coves, beaches and promontories make Korčula ideal for nautical tourism. It is also on the ‘must visit’ list for Mediterranean cruisers and charters. The island’s warm and delightful atmosphere can be experienced not only in and around the town of Korčula, but also throughout the island’s towns and villages.